Louisville’s 2026 Defensive Line Features Elite Edge Production, Transfer-Portal Depth and NFL Potential

The University of Louisville enters the 2026 season with one of the ACC’s most dangerous collections of edge rushers but considerably more uncertainty along the interior defensive line.

Clev Lubin returns after earning Third-Team All-ACC honors and producing 8.5 sacks during his first season with the Cardinals. A.J. Green also returns following a breakout year, while North Carolina transfer Tyler Thompson arrives after recording seven sacks for the Tar Heels in 2025. Together, those three players give Louisville multiple proven options capable of pressuring quarterbacks without relying heavily on blitzes.

The interior required a much larger offseason reconstruction. Louisville added Jerod Smith II from Kentucky, Tommy Ziesmer from Eastern Kentucky, Demeco Kennedy from Purdue, Daylen Russell from Miami, Joshua Donald from Houston and Keon Webb from Garden City Community College. Louisville’s official roster lists 16 defensive linemen, giving the Cardinals enough bodies to create a deep rotation even though many of the newcomers have never played together.

Mark Ivey takes over as co-defensive coordinator and defensive-line coach after previously coaching Louisville’s linebackers. Ivey and secondary coach Steve Ellis replaced the previous defensive leadership structure after Louisville finished 16th nationally in total defense during the 2025 season. Ivey previously coached the Cardinals’ defensive line from 2019 through 2022 and has a history of developing productive pass-rush rotations.

Louisville can use several different fronts, but the Cardinals’ personnel fits a structure featuring a traditional defensive end, a stand-up or movable LEO edge rusher, a three-technique defensive tackle and a nose tackle.

For this preview, Louisville’s four primary edge defenders are Clev Lubin, A.J. Green, Tyler Thompson and Micah Carter. Jerod Smith II, Tommy Ziesmer, Demeco Kennedy and Daylen Russell lead the defensive-tackle discussion, while Joshua Donald and Keon Webb project as the two primary nose-tackle options.

Defensive Ends

Clev Lubin — No. 50

Position: Defensive End/LEO Height: 6’3” Weight: 260 pounds Class: Redshirt Senior Hometown: Suffern, New York Previous Schools: Coastal Carolina, Iowa Western and Army

Background

Clev Lubin enters the 2026 season as the established leader of Louisville’s defensive line and one of the ACC’s most productive returning pass rushers.

Lubin began his college career at Army before transferring to Iowa Western Community College. He helped Iowa Western win the 2023 NJCAA national championship while recording 55 tackles, 23.5 tackles for loss, 11.5 sacks, four forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries. He earned first-team NJCAA All-America recognition for his performance.

Lubin transferred to Coastal Carolina in 2024 and immediately proved that his production could translate to the FBS level. He recorded 44 tackles, 12.5 tackles for loss, 9.5 sacks and three forced fumbles in only 10 games.

During his first season at Louisville, Lubin appeared in all 13 games and finished with 13.5 tackles for loss and 8.5 sacks. He earned Third-Team All-ACC honors and was selected to the 2026 All-ACC Preseason Team. Lubin’s best performance came against Kentucky when he recorded three tackles for loss, two sacks and two quarterback hurries.

Strengths

Lubin’s greatest strength is his relentless motor.

He continues pursuing quarterbacks after his initial rush is blocked and consistently creates second-effort pressure. Offensive tackles cannot assume the play is over simply because they stop his first move.

Lubin also has an advanced understanding of leverage. At 6’3” and 260 pounds, he possesses enough size to play with his hand on the ground but remains compact enough to get underneath taller offensive tackles. He converts speed into power effectively and can drive blockers backward when they overset against his outside rush.

His production has been remarkably consistent across multiple levels. Lubin recorded 11.5 sacks at Iowa Western, 9.5 at Coastal Carolina and 8.5 during his first ACC season. That history suggests his success is not the product of one system or one favorable season.

He is also disruptive against the run. Lubin attacks blocks instead of waiting for plays to reach him, and his 49.5 combined tackles for loss over his last three seasons demonstrate his ability to spend significant time in opposing backfields.

Weaknesses

Lubin is an experienced prospect who may be closer to his physical ceiling than some younger edge defenders.

He does not possess the extraordinary length of A.J. Green or Micah Carter, which could concern NFL teams looking for edge rushers capable of consistently controlling offensive tackles with reach.

Lubin can also become overly aggressive. His desire to attack upfield occasionally creates running lanes underneath him, particularly against read-option concepts and mobile quarterbacks.

He must continue expanding his pass-rush plan. His motor, power and outside speed are already effective, but NFL tackles will force him to win with combinations, counters and precise hand placement.

Professional Future

Lubin has a realistic opportunity to be selected in the 2027 NFL Draft.

His three-year production, ACC experience, run-defense effort and special-teams value give him a strong professional résumé. His best NFL fit may be as a rotational defensive end in an attacking four-man front or as an outside linebacker in a multiple defense.

A strong 2026 season featuring another eight to 10 sacks could move Lubin into the middle-round conversation. Questions about length and elite athletic testing could push him toward the later rounds, but his production should earn him an NFL opportunity.

If he does not initially secure an NFL roster spot, Lubin would be one of the most attractive defensive players available to the UFL. His effort, experience and ability to play several edge roles would translate immediately.

Current projection: Middle-to-late-round NFL Draft candidate; high-level UFL starter if needed.

A.J. Green — No. 17

Position: Defensive End/LEO Height: 6’6” Weight: 250 pounds Class: Redshirt Junior Hometown: Atlanta, Georgia

Background

A.J. Green has developed from a long, undersized recruit into one of Louisville’s most intriguing professional prospects.

Green recorded 69 tackles, 17 tackles for loss and 11 sacks during his senior season at Cedar Grove High School. He added 16.5 sacks as a junior and helped Cedar Grove win a Georgia Class 3A state championship.

After playing four games and redshirting in 2023, Green appeared in all 13 games during the 2024 season. He recorded 12 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss and one sack.

Green’s role expanded considerably in 2025. He finished with 31 tackles, six tackles for loss and four sacks, while also forcing a fumble and returning a fumble recovery for a touchdown against James Madison. Green recorded sacks against Eastern Kentucky, California, SMU and Kentucky.

Strengths

Green possesses rare length.

At 6’6”, he can attack offensive tackles before they are able to establish their hands. His reach helps him keep blockers away from his body, close passing lanes and affect quarterbacks even when he does not reach the pocket.

Green has also improved his functional strength. He arrived at Louisville weighing slightly more than 200 pounds but has developed into a 250-pound defender capable of handling a much larger role.

His long stride creates deceptive closing speed. Green may not always appear explosive during his first two steps, but he covers considerable ground once he accelerates.

Green also shows good turnover instincts. His forced fumble against Pittsburgh and touchdown recovery against James Madison demonstrated his awareness around the football.

His physical profile gives Louisville tremendous flexibility. Green can rush from a wide alignment, play as a stand-up LEO or reduce inside on passing downs against slower guards.

Weaknesses

Green’s height can work against him when he plays with an elevated pad level.

Shorter offensive tackles and tight ends can get underneath his chest and move him in the running game. He must consistently bend at the knees rather than leaning forward at the waist.

His pass-rush production improved in 2025, but Green must become more consistent. Four sacks represent progress, yet he still disappeared for portions of games when his initial rush was stopped.

Green needs a more dependable inside counter. Offensive tackles expecting his long outside rush can carry him beyond the quarterback if he does not plant, redirect or attack the inside shoulder.

Adding more strength without sacrificing flexibility will also be important to his NFL development.

Professional Future

Green may possess the highest physical ceiling on Louisville’s defensive line.

NFL teams are always interested in 6’6” edge defenders with movement skills and room for additional development. If Green increases his production to seven or more sacks while improving against the run, he could enter the middle rounds of the NFL Draft.

His evaluation will depend heavily on athletic testing. Strong numbers in the vertical jump, broad jump and short shuttle could confirm that his length is paired with NFL-level explosiveness.

Green would also project as an excellent UFL pass rusher. His length could be especially disruptive in a league where offensive-line depth is often limited.

Current projection: Potential middle-round NFL prospect with significant developmental upside.

Tyler Thompson — No. 3

Position: Defensive End Height: 6’5” Weight: 245 pounds Class: Redshirt Junior Hometown: Cary, North Carolina Previous School: North Carolina

Background

Tyler Thompson arrives at Louisville after producing one of the ACC’s most surprising pass-rushing breakouts in 2025.

Thompson was a four-star recruit from Panther Creek High School. Over three varsity seasons, he accumulated 191 tackles, 84 tackles for loss and 39 sacks. He also played basketball, demonstrating the movement skills that made him an attractive edge prospect.

Thompson played sparingly during his first two seasons at North Carolina. He appeared in three games in 2023 before playing 12 games with two starts in 2024.

His career changed in 2025. Thompson recorded 25 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss and seven sacks, finishing eighth in the ACC in sacks. He recorded three sacks against Stanford and two against California.

Strengths

Thompson brings proven pass-rushing production to a Louisville defense that already has Lubin and Green.

His first-step quickness is one of his best traits. Thompson can threaten an offensive tackle’s outside shoulder immediately, forcing the blocker to open his hips earlier than desired.

He also demonstrates natural finishing ability. Seven sacks on only 7.5 tackles for loss show that when Thompson reaches the backfield, he usually completes the play against the quarterback.

Thompson’s length allows him to keep his frame relatively clean, while his basketball background is visible in his balance and ability to redirect.

He should benefit from Louisville’s depth. Opposing offenses will have difficulty consistently sliding protections toward Thompson when Lubin or Green is aligned on the opposite side.

Weaknesses

Thompson remains light for an every-down defensive end.

At approximately 245 pounds, he could struggle when offensive tackles and tight ends run directly at him. Louisville may need to protect him schematically or use him primarily in passing situations until he adds additional functional strength.

His 2025 production came in concentrated stretches. Five of his seven sacks occurred in two games against Stanford and California. Thompson must demonstrate that he can generate pressure consistently against the strongest offensive tackles on Louisville’s schedule.

He also needs to improve his anchor. When he loses the initial leverage battle, he can be displaced from his gap.

Professional Future

Thompson has already placed himself on the NFL scouting radar.

His length, first-step quickness and seven-sack ACC season give him a legitimate professional foundation. Another productive year at Louisville could make him a late-round selection or priority free agent.

NFL teams may initially view him as a designated pass rusher or developmental outside linebacker rather than an every-down defensive end. Adding 10 to 15 pounds without losing quickness would improve his projection.

His pass-rushing ability would translate extremely well to the UFL, while his length could create problems in indoor football. However, his current trajectory gives him a realistic chance to begin his career in an NFL organization.

Current projection: Late-round NFL Draft or priority-free-agent candidate.

Micah Carter — No. 19

Position: Defensive End Height: 6’6” Weight: 265 pounds Class: Redshirt Junior Hometown: Louisville, Kentucky

Background

Micah Carter is a local product entering an important developmental season.

Carter attended St. Xavier High School, where he was rated as one of Kentucky’s leading prospects. He recorded 85 tackles and eight sacks over three high school seasons, including 56 tackles, seven tackles for loss and six sacks as a senior.

Carter redshirted during his first season at Louisville and saw limited action the following year. He became a regular reserve in 2025, appearing in 12 games and recording eight tackles, one tackle for loss, one sack and one pass breakup. He also earned All-ACC Academic recognition.

Strengths

Carter has an NFL-caliber frame.

At 6’6” and 265 pounds, he possesses the height, length and mass needed to play a traditional defensive-end role. He is larger than several of Louisville’s other edge defenders and could become especially valuable against physical running teams.

Carter can also affect passing lanes. His reach gives him an opportunity to deflect passes when he cannot reach the quarterback.

His development should benefit from practicing behind Lubin, Green and Thompson. Carter will not be forced into a role beyond his readiness, allowing Louisville to use him in favorable situations.

He has also remained patient through limited early playing time rather than leaving the program, giving him valuable familiarity with Louisville’s personnel and expectations.

Weaknesses

Carter must turn his physical traits into production.

One sack and one tackle for loss through his first three college seasons are modest numbers for a player with his size and recruiting background. He must become more explosive out of his stance and more violent with his hands.

His pad level can also become an issue. Carter presents a large blocking surface when he stands upright, allowing offensive tackles to control his chest.

He needs to show that he can win one-on-one matchups rather than simply occupying a rotational role. Louisville’s depth could limit his snaps unless he separates himself during training camp.

Professional Future

Carter remains a developmental professional prospect.

NFL evaluators will be interested in his measurements, but production must accompany those traits. A breakout season featuring four to six sacks could earn him priority-free-agent consideration.

Without increased production, the UFL appears to be his most realistic immediate destination. His size and ability to play against the run would be valuable in a spring league.

Carter could also become an effective indoor defensive lineman because his length would allow him to affect quarterbacks in a compressed pocket.

Current projection: NFL developmental free agent or UFL prospect; strong indoor potential.

Defensive Tackles

Jerod Smith II — No. 99

Position: Defensive Tackle/Strong-Side End Height: 6’4” Weight: 270 pounds Class: Junior Hometown: Corbin, Kentucky Previous School: Kentucky

Background

Jerod Smith II crossed the Governor’s Cup rivalry after spending his first two college seasons at Kentucky.

Smith was an Under Armour All-American and four-star recruit. During his senior season at Corbin High School, he recorded 90 tackles, 20 tackles for loss and nine sacks while helping the Redhounds finish 12-1.

He played in all 12 games as a true freshman at Kentucky and recorded seven tackles. Smith’s role expanded significantly in 2025 when he finished with 27 tackles, five tackles for loss, one sack and one forced fumble.

Ironically, his best game came against Louisville. Smith recorded a career-high seven tackles, one tackle for loss and a forced fumble against the Cardinals before transferring across the rivalry.

Strengths

Smith is one of the most versatile linemen on Louisville’s roster.

At 6’4” and 270 pounds, he can align as a strong-side defensive end, a three-technique tackle or an interior pass rusher. That versatility allows Ivey to change fronts without substituting.

Smith plays with good pursuit effort and has demonstrated the ability to make tackles outside his immediate gap. His 27 tackles in 2025 are encouraging for a defensive lineman who was not always a full-time starter.

He also has a strong athletic foundation. Smith was ranked among the nation’s top edge prospects coming out of high school and has enough movement ability to attack guards from the interior.

His familiarity with Kentucky and SEC-level offensive linemen should help him adjust quickly to Louisville’s schedule.

Weaknesses

Smith is caught between traditional positional prototypes.

At 270 pounds, he may be too light to handle double teams as a full-time defensive tackle but not explosive enough to become an elite speed rusher from the edge.

He must add interior strength and improve his ability to anchor against downhill rushing attacks. Guards may be able to move him when they establish contact before he penetrates the gap.

Smith also needs more pass-rush production. One sack in 24 college games does not match his recruiting profile or athletic ability.

Finding a permanent role will be important. Versatility is valuable, but Smith must establish at least one position where he can consistently defeat blockers.

Professional Future

Smith has enough talent to become an NFL prospect, but his eventual position remains uncertain.

His best professional path may be as a movable defensive lineman who plays strong-side end on early downs and reduces inside in passing situations. NFL teams value that flexibility when it comes with dependable run defense.

A productive 2026 season featuring six or more tackles for loss and increased pressure would place Smith in the future draft conversation. He still has time to develop beyond the coming season.

Current projection: Developmental future NFL prospect; strong UFL outlook if his production does not fully emerge.

Tommy Ziesmer — No. 96

Position: Defensive Tackle Height: 6’2” Weight: 300 pounds Class: Redshirt Junior Hometown: Danville, Kentucky Previous Schools: Eastern Kentucky and Kentucky

Background

Tommy Ziesmer returns to the Power Four level after a productive season at Eastern Kentucky.

Ziesmer was one of Kentucky’s leading high school prospects at Boyle County. He recorded 83 tackles, 20 tackles for loss, nine sacks and two forced fumbles as a senior while helping Boyle County win the 2022 Class 4A state championship.

He began his college career at Kentucky, recording a sack against Akron during his redshirt season. He appeared in four games and made two tackles during the 2024 season before transferring to Eastern Kentucky.

Ziesmer became a full-time contributor for the Colonels in 2025. He recorded 53 tackles, three tackles for loss, one sack and a forced fumble in 12 games.

Strengths

Ziesmer brings proven tackling production to Louisville’s rebuilt interior.

His 53 tackles are impressive for a defensive lineman and demonstrate his ability to locate the football through traffic. He does not simply occupy blocks; he works down the line and participates in the finish.

At 6’2” and 300 pounds, Ziesmer has a compact frame that helps him maintain leverage. He can get underneath taller guards and centers while keeping his balance through contact.

His experience at both Kentucky and Eastern Kentucky gives him familiarity with different competition levels and defensive systems.

Ziesmer also has the mentality of a player accustomed to physical football. His high school background at Boyle County and his FCS experience should make him comfortable in Louisville’s run-defense rotation.

Weaknesses

Ziesmer must prove that his FCS production will translate against ACC offensive lines.

Although he recorded 53 tackles, he produced only three tackles for loss and one sack. Louisville needs him to create more disruption rather than making most of his tackles after plays have reached the line of scrimmage.

His arm length may be average for the position. Longer guards can control him if he fails to win with leverage and hand speed.

Ziesmer also must demonstrate that he can remain productive while facing larger blockers and more frequent double teams.

Professional Future

Ziesmer’s tackling production and compact build should generate professional interest.

A strong season at Louisville could earn him an NFL rookie-camp invitation or priority-free-agent opportunity. He will need to increase his tackles for loss and demonstrate that he can defeat ACC blockers one-on-one.

His current profile fits the UFL particularly well. He has enough size to play defensive tackle and enough movement ability to contribute in a rotation.

Ziesmer could also play indoor football, where his low center of gravity and ability to work through confined spaces would be valuable.

Current projection: UFL prospect with NFL rookie-camp potential.

Demeco Kennedy — No. 2

Position: Defensive Tackle Height: 6’3” Weight: 305 pounds Class: Junior Hometown: Lexington, Kentucky Previous School: Purdue

Background

Demeco Kennedy returns to his home state after developing into a starter at Purdue.

Kennedy played at Frederick Douglass High School and helped the Broncos win the 2022 Kentucky Class 5A state championship. He was a consensus three-star recruit and was rated as one of Kentucky’s leading prospects.

Kennedy appeared in nine games as a true freshman at Purdue and recorded six tackles.

His role expanded in 2025 when he played in all 12 games with four starts. Kennedy finished with 21 tackles, three tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks. He recorded six tackles against Northwestern and earned Academic All-Big Ten recognition.

Across two seasons at Purdue, Kennedy accumulated 27 tackles, three tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks in 21 games.

Strengths

Kennedy has a solid combination of size and starting experience.

At more than 300 pounds, he is capable of playing either defensive-tackle position. He has enough mass to absorb contact but remains athletic enough to penetrate when aligned over a guard.

Kennedy played meaningful snaps in the Big Ten, where he regularly faced physical offensive lines and downhill running attacks. That experience should reduce his adjustment period at Louisville.

He also shows good effort away from the initial point of attack. His six-tackle game against Northwestern demonstrated that he can remain involved rather than functioning solely as a block occupier.

Kennedy’s academic recognition also reflects preparation and consistency away from the field.

Weaknesses

Kennedy has not yet developed into a consistently disruptive defender.

Three tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks across 21 games leave room for significant improvement. He must become quicker with his hands and more decisive when attacking gaps.

He can occasionally play too upright, reducing the effectiveness of his 305-pound frame. Maintaining leverage will be especially important against double teams.

Kennedy also needs to show that he can handle a larger role. Four career starts provide useful experience, but Louisville may ask him to play more snaps than he previously handled at Purdue.

Professional Future

Kennedy has enough size and Power Four experience to receive professional consideration.

A breakout season could move him into the NFL priority-free-agent discussion. Teams will want to see improved backfield production and the ability to defend multiple interior gaps.

His current trajectory points more naturally toward the UFL, where his size, youth and Big Ten experience would make him an appealing developmental tackle.

Indoor football could also fit his skill set if he develops more short-area pass-rushing power.

Current projection: UFL defensive tackle with NFL free-agent upside.

Daylen Russell — No. 90

Position: Defensive Tackle Height: 6’3” Weight: 300 pounds Class: Freshman by Louisville’s roster designation Hometown: Miami, Florida Previous School: Miami

Background

Daylen Russell gives Louisville a young interior defender with high school production and significant developmental potential.

Russell was rated as a three-star prospect and one of the nation’s top 30 defensive tackles while attending Christopher Columbus High School. He helped the program win consecutive state championships and recorded 84 tackles and 10 sacks during the 2022 season.

Russell redshirted during his first season at Miami. He appeared in five games for the Hurricanes in 2025 and recorded six tackles, including one tackle for loss, before transferring to Louisville.

Strengths

Russell has the physical foundation of an ACC defensive tackle.

At 6’3” and 300 pounds, he has enough size to play immediately without requiring a major physical transformation. His high school sack production suggests he may eventually offer more pass-rushing ability than a traditional space-eating tackle.

Russell also comes from successful programs. Playing for a championship-level high school team and spending two years at Miami exposed him to significant competition and expectations.

His limited college experience means his best football may still be ahead of him. Louisville can develop him behind older transfers without forcing him into an excessive workload.

Weaknesses

Russell remains unproven.

Five appearances and six tackles do not provide enough evidence to determine whether his high school production will translate to the Power Four level.

He must improve his block recognition and hand usage. Young defensive tackles often react too slowly to combination blocks, allowing offensive linemen to control their shoulders.

Russell also needs to show that he can maintain his pad level and effort during extended drives. Conditioning frequently determines whether a young interior lineman earns rotational snaps.

Professional Future

Russell’s professional evaluation should remain open because he has multiple seasons of eligibility and limited college film.

His size and high school production provide an encouraging foundation. If he develops into a multiyear starter at Louisville, he could eventually attract NFL attention.

The immediate goal is establishing himself in the rotation and producing against ACC competition.

Current projection: Long-term developmental player with future NFL or UFL possibilities.

Nose Tackles

Joshua Donald — No. 95

Position: Nose Tackle Height: 6’2” Weight: 310 pounds Class: Junior Hometown: Durham, North Carolina Previous Schools: Houston, Appalachian State and Southern

Background

Joshua Donald is the most experienced and proven nose-tackle candidate on Louisville’s roster.

Donald began his college career at Southern. He recorded eight tackles, two tackles for loss and one sack in 2022 before adding 11 tackles, two tackles for loss and another sack in 2023.

After participating in spring practice at Troy, Donald transferred to Appalachian State for the 2024 season. He produced the best year of his career, recording 32 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, three sacks, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery.

Donald transferred to Houston but did not play during the 2025 season. Louisville officially identified him as a nose tackle when announcing his signing in January 2026.

Strengths

Donald has a naturally powerful frame.

At 6’2” and more than 310 pounds, he possesses the low center of gravity necessary to anchor against guards and centers. He is difficult to move when he maintains proper pad level.

Donald has also shown that he can provide more than early-down run defense. His 5.5 tackles for loss and three sacks at Appalachian State demonstrate enough quickness and power to collapse the pocket.

His experience is valuable. Donald has played at the FCS, Group of Five and Power Four levels while learning several defensive systems.

Unlike some nose tackles, Donald has demonstrated an ability to finish plays. His 32 tackles at Appalachian State show that he can disengage and reach the ball carrier.

Weaknesses

Donald must overcome a year without game action.

Sitting out the 2025 season creates questions about conditioning, timing and how quickly he can return to his 2024 form.

His shorter frame provides leverage but limits his reach. Longer offensive linemen may be able to control him if he fails to win the initial hand battle.

Donald must also prove that his Appalachian State production can translate against ACC competition. He will face larger and more technically refined centers and guards.

Maintaining his weight will be important. Louisville needs him powerful and explosive rather than simply heavy.

Professional Future

Donald has the clearest professional projection among Louisville’s interior transfers.

NFL teams need nose tackles capable of anchoring against double teams and contributing in short-yardage situations. Donald’s 2024 production suggests he can also generate occasional interior pressure.

A strong 2026 season could earn him an NFL priority-free-agent contract or late-round consideration. His lack of 2025 film may make a draft selection more difficult unless he immediately reestablishes himself.

Donald would be an excellent UFL candidate because of his size, experience and clearly defined role.

Current projection: NFL priority-free-agent candidate with strong UFL starting potential.

Keon Webb — Number To Be Determined

Position: Nose Tackle/Defensive TackleHeight: 6’5”Weight: 300 poundsClass: Redshirt SophomoreHometown: Tampa, FloridaPrevious Schools: Garden City Community College and North Carolina A&T

Background

Keon Webb was a late addition to Louisville’s defensive-line class and gives the Cardinals another large interior option.

Webb attended Sumner High School in Florida, recording 31 tackles and one sack as a senior after producing 27 tackles during his junior season.

He initially signed with North Carolina A&T but did not appear in a game. Webb then transferred to Garden City Community College.

During the 2025 season, Webb appeared in 11 games and recorded 37 tackles, six tackles for loss and two sacks. Louisville added him in April 2026, and he entered the program with three remaining seasons of eligibility.

Strengths

Webb provides unusual length for an interior defender.

At approximately 6’5” and 300 pounds, he can extend his arms and create separation from guards. His reach should also help him disrupt passing lanes.

His junior-college production is encouraging. Webb recorded 37 tackles rather than simply occupying space, and his six tackles for loss demonstrate the ability to penetrate.

He has enough size to rotate at nose tackle while also possessing the frame to play three-technique. That versatility could become valuable as Louisville experiments with different combinations.

Webb also has multiple seasons to develop. He does not need to become a finished product immediately.

Weaknesses

Webb faces a significant increase in competition.

The transition from junior-college offensive lines to ACC blockers will test his strength, technique and reaction speed.

His height may create leverage problems inside. At 6’5”, Webb must consistently bend his knees and maintain a low base. If he stands upright, shorter centers and guards can get underneath him.

He must also add functional strength. Weighing 300 pounds on a 6’5” frame is different from possessing the dense mass of a traditional nose tackle.

Webb’s role is not yet clearly defined. Louisville may need time to determine whether he is most effective directly over the center or shaded toward a guard.

Professional Future

Webb has intriguing long-term professional tools.

NFL scouts will notice his length, size and remaining developmental potential. He must first demonstrate that he can handle Power Four competition and become a reliable member of Louisville’s rotation.

A productive multiyear career could place him on the NFL radar. If he does not reach that level, his size and junior-college production would make him a strong UFL candidate.

His height and ability to affect passing lanes could also translate to indoor football, although he would need to show enough quickness to play in a condensed formation.

Current projection: Developmental future NFL or UFL prospect.

Projected Rotation

Louisville’s strongest opening combination would place Clev Lubin at LEO, Tyler Thompson or A.J. Green at defensive end, Jerod Smith II at three-technique and Joshua Donald at nose tackle.

Lubin is the most dependable pass rusher and should remain on the field during most important situations. Green and Thompson can rotate opposite him, although Louisville may frequently use all three at once.

Smith gives the Cardinals an athletic interior option, while Donald supplies the mass and leverage needed to occupy blockers. Tommy Ziesmer and Demeco Kennedy should compete for significant early-down snaps.

Louisville’s most dangerous passing-down front could feature Lubin and Thompson on the edges with Green and Smith reduced inside. That combination would place four long, athletic defenders on the field and force guards to block players accustomed to rushing from wider alignments.

Micah Carter provides another large edge option, while Daylen Russell and Keon Webb give Louisville developmental interior depth.

Overall Strengths

Louisville’s greatest strength is edge-rushing depth.

Lubin recorded 8.5 sacks in 2025, Thompson produced seven at North Carolina and Green added four for Louisville. Few teams can rotate three edge defenders with that level of recent production.

The Cardinals also possess outstanding length. Green and Carter are both 6’6”, Thompson is 6’5” and Smith is 6’4”. That size can disrupt passing lanes and make it difficult for quarterbacks to find clean throwing windows.

The transfer class provides variety. Donald is a compact nose tackle, Ziesmer is a productive run defender, Kennedy brings Big Ten experience, Smith offers positional flexibility and Webb provides developmental size.

Louisville should also be able to keep its best defensive linemen fresh. The official roster contains enough depth for Ivey to use eight or more players without dramatically changing the structure of the defense.

Overall Concerns

The interior defensive line is largely unproven as a group.

Louisville’s projected tackles come from several different programs and have never played together. Communication against combination blocks and adjusting to Ivey’s expectations could take time.

The Cardinals also lack an established returning interior star. Lubin, Green and Thompson have demonstrated pass-rushing production from the edge, but Louisville needs someone to consistently collapse the pocket from the middle.

Donald did not play in 2025, while Smith and Kennedy combined for only 2.5 sacks at their previous schools. Ziesmer was productive as a tackler but recorded only one sack at Eastern Kentucky.

Run defense could become a concern when Louisville uses its fastest pass-rushing package. Thompson is approximately 245 pounds, Green is 250 and Smith is 270. Powerful offensive lines may attempt to run directly at those lighter combinations.

The Cardinals must also manage playing time. Lubin, Green and Thompson all deserve significant snaps, but Louisville must keep each player involved without disrupting rhythm.

Professional Outlook

Clev Lubin enters the season as Louisville’s most polished NFL prospect. His production at Iowa Western, Coastal Carolina and Louisville demonstrates consistency, while his 260-pound frame gives him enough size to play several professional roles.

A.J. Green may possess the highest ceiling because of his exceptional length. Another major improvement in 2026 could move him into the middle rounds of the NFL Draft.

Tyler Thompson has already demonstrated NFL-level pass-rushing potential, but he must improve his run defense and prove that his seven-sack season was not built primarily on two dominant performances.

Jerod Smith II has long-term professional upside because of his versatility, while Joshua Donald has a clearly defined nose-tackle role that could earn him an NFL opportunity.

Micah Carter, Tommy Ziesmer, Demeco Kennedy and Keon Webb project as strong UFL candidates if they do not immediately enter the NFL. Their size and experience could also create indoor or arena opportunities.

Daylen Russell remains too early in his development for a definitive projection.

Conclusion

Louisville’s 2026 defensive line has two very different identities.

On the edge, the Cardinals have experience, production and legitimate NFL talent. Clev Lubin is an All-ACC performer, A.J. Green is a long and improving disruptor, and Tyler Thompson arrives after recording seven sacks at North Carolina. Micah Carter gives the group another physically impressive rotational option.

The interior is much more difficult to predict.

Jerod Smith II offers versatility, Tommy Ziesmer brings tackling production, Demeco Kennedy has Power Four starting experience and Daylen Russell provides developmental upside. Joshua Donald gives Louisville a proven nose tackle, while Keon Webb adds length and junior-college production.

Louisville does not need every transfer to become a star. The Cardinals need Donald to control the middle, one of Smith, Ziesmer or Kennedy to become a dependable starter, and the remaining players to supply competent rotational snaps.

If that happens, Louisville’s edge rushers could transform the entire defense.

Lubin, Green and Thompson are capable of creating pressure without blitz assistance, allowing Louisville to keep additional defenders in coverage. If the interior prevents quarterbacks from stepping comfortably into the pocket, the Cardinals could field one of the ACC’s most disruptive defensive fronts.

Lubin currently has the strongest chance of being selected in the NFL Draft. Green and Thompson have the physical ability and production to join him in the professional ranks, while Donald and Smith could improve their outlooks with productive seasons.

The interior carries legitimate questions, but the edge group gives Louisville an extremely high ceiling. If the transfer additions stabilize the middle, the Cardinals’ defensive line could become one of the primary reasons Louisville competes for a place near the top of the ACC in 2026.